Our Twin Cities Dads Group is the host group, and City Dads Group is a returning sponsor. HomeDadCon is a parenting convention with a focus on modern fatherhood, and a well-deserved chance to recharge and reconnect with fathers from around the nation. The NAHDN brings expert speakers and presenters to help attendees become better at what they love: being a great dad. Schedules and speaker lists are being finalized and will be posted to the website when available. Expect a full weekend of parenting, family, and fatherhood-oriented scheduling.

The NAHDN offers Brian Dickson Memorial Scholarships to fathers who wish to attend but would like to offset costs. The application deadline is July 6th. To nominate yourself or someone you know for a Brian Dickson Memorial Scholarship go to this page: http://athomedad.org/scholarships/

The NAHDN is a registered 501(c)(3) whose mission statement is “To provide advocacy, community, education, and support for families where the fathers are primary caregivers for their children.” For more information about the NAHDN visit http://athomedad.org/ or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HomeDadNet

FAQs“Is this event just teaching me how to change a diaper?”No, this event is Professional Development for Professional Dads. Education is a core principle of HomeDadCon, and the NAHDN takes that seriously. Expect information that represents modern fatherhood and addresses the challenges we face today. Please visit their website for the speaker announcements. Past HomeDadCon sessions have covered topics such as: relationships, finances, discipline, gender issues, communication, parenting styles, home safety, stress reduction, mental health, adoption, homeschooling, and many more. Along with some fun opportunities to learn parenting skills from other fathers."I'm not really a 'stay-at-home dad' is this convention for me?"The programming is designed with dads who are regularly the primary caregiver of their child(ren) in mind. If that's you - even part-time, and regardless of marital or employment status - then yes, this is definitely for you. Even if you don’t consider yourself a full-time at-home dad, you are still welcome, and much of the programming is appropriate for any involved, hands-on parent.

"Can/should I bring my kids?"While some attendees bring their families to the HomeDadCon host city with them in order to enjoy some of the sights before or after the convention, HomeDadCon itself is generally not for children, and cannot provide child care. In addition, many attendees feel that some of their favorite aspects of HomeDadCon are the times spent with the brotherhood of fatherhood, so bringing your family could mean less time to just relax with your fellow fathers.

“Is there anything to do in Minneapolis?”The Convention Committee is working on several fun events outside of convention programming for dads to interact and socialize. Free events like a photo walking tour of Minneapolis, and low-cost events like watching the professional soccer team the Minnesota United FC take on Sporting Kansas City, are already planned. More events will be announced soon.

This will be my third convention. I have made new friends and learned a lot.